United Arab Emirates: Circumstances under which an Iranian national would be issued a Health Card by the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 6 November 2001 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ARE38059.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, United Arab Emirates: Circumstances under which an Iranian national would be issued a Health Card by the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), 6 November 2001, ARE38059.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4be058.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services Website provides the following information on the Dubai Health Card:
All [United Arab Emirates/Gulf Cooperation Council] UAE/GCC nationals, Dubai residents and expatriates with Dubai Residency Visa may apply for a Health Card. A Health Card is required to have an access to our primary and acute medical services. Visit our Health Card Center, next to Rashid Hospital, along with the following documents to apply for a Health Card:
UAG/GCC Nationals: Passport copy; Nationality ID copy; Personal Colour photo.
Non-nationals: Original Passport; Passport copy (with Residency Visa Page); Visa copy (if Residency Visa is not yet issued); Valid Tenancy Contract (if Residency Visa [is] issued from other Emirates); Personal Colour photo (n.d).
Health cards for non-nationals are to be renewed each year. Renewal fees are AED 100 for holders aged between 0 and 10 years; AED 2000 for holders between 11 and 18; and AED 300 for those aged 19 and above (ibid.).
A 3 November 2000 information United States Department of Commerce -National Trade Data Bank datasheet on the United Arab Emirates health insurance industry states that:
A policy change, effected in 1996, made it compulsory for expatriates to possess health coverage before they could undergo their medical fitness test. This meant that the individual either had to have a valid health card issued by the local authorities, a local hospital or a private health insurance company registered in the U.A.E ...
CHOICE OF COVERAGE
The primary reason for opting for the health card issued by the Federal Government or Dubai Health Department is the low initial charge. Cards for expatriates are renewed annually while for U.A.E./GCC nationals are renewed every four years. These cards have two levels of fees, viz.
Expatriates U.A.E./GCC Nationals
18 years and above : USD 82 (Dhs. 300) USD 27 (Dhs. 100)
10 - 18 years : USD 55 (Dhs. 200) USD 14 (Dhs. 50)
below 10 years : USD 27 (Dhs. 100) USD 7 (Dhs. 25)
Individuals who opt for the government health card are entitled to free medication. A minimal fee is charged for consultation with a general practitioner (USD 5) or a specialist (USD 14) as well as for surgery, hospitalization, MRI's and X-Rays. The card user is restricted to the doctor or specialist on duty for the day who is on the payroll of the local government.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai Department of Health Medical Services (DOHMS). n.d.
United States Department of Commerce – National Trade Data Bank. 3 November 2000. "United Arab Emirates: Health Insurance Industry."
